Forest campgrounds open for the season
All Flathead National Forest campgrounds should be open this weekend, unless there’s a problem with the weather.
Holland Lake, Swan Lake, Emery Bay, Murray Bay, Devil Creek, Lid Creek, Lost Johnny Camp and Lost Johnny Point, Doris Point Camp and Boat, Riverside, Big Creek, and Tally Lake Campgrounds are open. These campgrounds and recreation areas are operated by the forest concessionaire Flathead Valley Campgrounds. Season-long day use passes are available at all campgrounds for $30.
The Spotted Bear Campground is operated by the Forest Service and is open, with water and other services available. In addition to campgrounds, boat launches and day-use areas, the forest also has 15 rental cabins. To rent a cabin or to reserve select campground sites, visit http://www.recreation.gov.
Many non-fee campgrounds are also available, such as Lindbergh Lake Campground on Swan Lake Ranger District, Beaver Creek Campground at Spotted Bear Ranger District, Upper Stillwater Lake on Tally Lake Ranger District, and Lake View Campground on Hungry Horse-Glacier View Ranger District.
Forest campers and visitors should store all food and garbage in bear-resistant receptacles.
Campers are also reminded to be careful with fire. Never leave a fire unattended and be sure the fire is “dead out” before leaving.
Hikers are encouraged to be aware that conditions may be different than usual for this time of year on wilderness and upper-elevation trails.
The stay limit is 16 days on most forests. Campers may camp for 16 consecutive days in one site; if they plan to camp longer, they cannot camp within a 5 mile radius of the original campsite. A minimum of 7 days is required before any persons from the group may reoccupy the original location.
For more information, visit http://www.fs.usda.gov/flathead/. For updates on conditions and openings, contact a local Forest Service ranger district office:
Hungry Horse-Glacier View, 387-3800
Spotted Bear, 758-5376
Swan Lake, 837-7500
Tally Lake, 58-5204